The following programs are available to Missouri residents attending approved Missouri postsecondary schools such as Southeast.  Many Missouri aid programs require that you first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the state deadline of April 1.  If you have not already done so, you may want to read the information on Applying for Financial Aid.  Some programs require a separate application available from the state.  Missouri state aid is regulated by the Missouri Department of Education and its subsidiaries and is funded by the state government.  The amount and type of your award may vary based on the school you choose to attend, the date of your application and your enrollment. 

Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program (Access MO):  Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program or Access MO is a grant program designed to provide students with a simplified financial aid process, provide predictable, portable awards, and increase access to a student’s school of choice. Eligibility is determined by the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be eligible, students must be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 hours per semester), be a Missouri Resident, file a FAFSA by April 1, have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) less than or equal to 12,000; and have demonstrated financial need as determined by FAFSA information and other financial assistance. In addition, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the institution, cannot exceed 120 cumulative hours, and must maintain a 2.5 or greater cumulative GPA. Award amounts are based off of FAFSA information, other institutional records, and Missouri Department of Higher Education funding. The maximum award for a public four-year institution is $2,150 and the minimum award is $1,000. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA before the April 1 deadline.

The Urban Flight and Rural Needs Scholarship: This scholarship is provided to eligible students who enter a teacher education program and make a commitment to teach as a condition of receiving the scholarship. The scholarship covers 100% of the total cost of eligible students' tuition and fees up to four years, at a four-year college or university located in Missouri.

Eligible applicants must

• be a U.S. citizen and resident of Missouri; be a high school senior, college freshman or sophomore,
• or returning adult student at a community college or a four-year colllege or university in Missouri
• OR a Missouri high school graduate with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4-point scale or equivalent
• OR an individual who has completed 30 college hours and has a GPA of 2.5
• OR an individual with a baccalaureate degree and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 who is returning to an approved teacher education program.

Candidates are selected based on high school or college cumulative GPA and financial need. Recipients must earn a Missouri teaching certificate and teach for up to eight years in Missouri public school with a higher than average "at-risk student population;" otherwise, the scholarship converts to a loan and must be repaid. Application can be requested from your high school counselor or your financial aid office. Deadline to submit an application is April 15. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship Program: This scholarship program is for Missouri residents who are attending school half-time while working a minimum of 20 hours per week.  Initial eligibility for this program is determined by the state and the institution certifies final eligibility.  To be considered, you must have the processed FAFSA received by the state deadline of August 1 and meet the state’s definition of financial need.  An additional application available from Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) or Student Financial Services at Southeast is required.  The maximum award for this scholarship is the value of your incidental and general fees.  Funds are not available for the summer semester.

Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program:  This scholarship, also known as “Bright Flight," is a $2,000 merit award for Missouri residents.  To be eligible, you must score in the top 3 percent on the ACT or SAT.  To renew, you must maintain satisfactory academic progress by the university's definition and maintain a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA.  For additional information, contact MDHE at (800) 473-6757.

Public Service Officer Survivor Grant Program: This program provides tuition grants to dependent childrenand spouses of public safety officers or Missouri Department of Transportation employees engaged in the construction or maintenance of the state’s highways, roads and bridges who were killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty.  This award is for Missouri residents attending college full time.  A separate application from MDHE is required.

Vietnam Veteran’s Survivor Grant Program:  This grant program is available to children or spouses of Vietnam Veterans whose death was attributed to, or caused by, exposure to toxic chemicals during the Vietnam conflict.  In order to be eligible, you must be a Missouri resident enrolled full time.  The maximum award is the full value of your incidental and general fees.  A separate application from MDHE is required as well as qualifying medical certification from a Department of Veterans Affairs medical authority.

Missouri Teacher Education:  This $2,000 scholarship is available to Missouri residents who are freshmen, sophomores or returning adult students interested in a teaching career and enrolled full time.  This is a one-time competitive award whose recipients are selected by the state.  This scholarship converts to a loan and the state’s portion must be repaid if you do not remain enrolled in the teacher education program or if you do not teach in a Missouri public school for a minimum of five years.  Applications can be obtained from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and are due by February 15.

Missouri Minority Teacher Education:  This is a competitive, renewable scholarship worth $3,000 per academic year.  In order to be eligible, you must be a minority, Missouri resident interested in a teaching career and enrolled full time.  Recipients are selected by the state. This scholarship converts to a loan and the state’s portion must be repaid if you do not remain enrolled in the teacher education program or if you do not teach in a Missouri public school for a minimum of five years.  Applications can be obtained form the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and are due by February 15.

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